Mick Reeves 1/4 Spitfire Fuselage

[martin.bleasby]

Hi all,

Just wondered if anyone has built the Mick Reeves 1/4 scale Spitfire (Wood Build) from the 2008
plan?..

I've been looking over the plan and I have a couple of questions about the construction.

Many thanks indeed,

Martin.

[Philip Goff]

Dear Martin
Yes, I have built one. When I say built it is at about 80%,
I have been working on it for years.

First things first as with any scale model you do need plenty of patience,
there will be some parts that will need fettling to get them to fit.
My kit was actually not too bad in that respect.

I have built two of Mick's 1/6th scale Spitfires in the past,
the 1/4 scale version is an enlarged 1/6th scale one.
So the construction is virtually the same, with appropriate material thickness changes.

I have to say it does build into a very nice and accurate Spitfire and they do fly well.
Mick, let me have a go with his when he attended one of my events at Coltishall.

I had a bit of a set back with mine some while a go, my Brother came round to help me
he was sanding the wings, unfortunately the skins are now see through ( If only my wife's nighty was like that ) . I might see if I can get the skins off and repair the wings, my concern with that is I might inadvertently put a twist into the wings. A new set of ribs is £40 so I might build a new wing.

I was not angry with my Brother as he was only trying to help me.

Regards Phil Goff

[martin.bleasby]

Hello Phillip,

Many thanks for your reply.
Your build sounds interesting, do you have any photo's at all?..

If possible I would like to run over my questions with you?

How would you suggest I do this Phillip?

Very best wishes,

Martin...

[Philip Goff]

Dear Martin
There might be some pictures of the build on my 'For those who love World War two Fighters' thread on RCU, I will see if I can find them.

You can contact me using a pm from here or by my email.

All being well I will be at East Kirkby on Saturday and Monday.

I am not the greatest builder by any stretch of the imagination,
but if I can help you I will.

Regards Phil G.

[Philip Goff]

Dear Martin
I found these pictures, on the afore mentioned thread.

They were taken in 2005.

Regards Phil G.

[Steve Mansell]

Fair bit of nose weight!
Steve

[Philip Goff]

Steve,
Many a true word spoken in a joke.

Regards Phil G.

[martin.bleasby]

Hi Phillip,

Thanks for the photo's , your build looks very impressive ... I can just about make out the diagonal stringers on the main 1/2 x 1/2 inch base. This was one of my questions, the top view of the plan these sections on top of the center section and not in between.

Not sure if I made sense in the above Phil??

My friend and I spent Tuesday afternoon at Mick Reeves place was a really enjoyable afternoon. I've just ordered some of the wood for the Fus from Mick.. may go a collect today..

I must thank you Phil for your offer of help, It nice to know help is at hand...

By the way your building looks very pro to me ....

Best wishes,

Martin..

[stewart clifford]

Hi Martin
Give me a call one evening next week, I've built a few of his Spitfires with another one on the go right now.

Stewart

[martin.bleasby]

Hi Stewart,

Thanks for your post, I'll give you a call would be good chat..

Thanks,

Martin.

[martin.bleasby]

Hi again,

Here are some shots of my Fuselage Build... If anything looks wrong to you maybe it could be pointed out, this would be much appreciated..

Looks like I need to get some 1/4" x 1/2" Balsa Strip.. The kit of Fus Balsa Supplied has 3 x 1/4" x 1" in the pack...

Thanks,

Martin.

[martin.bleasby]

Hi all,

Done some more work on the Fus over the past couple of weeks.. any comments, guidance would be welcome.

Thanks,

martin.

[martin.bleasby]

Hi again,

Just wondered if anyone has any ideas on how they may add strength to the front end of this Mick Reeves 1/4 scale Spit?.... The two ply boxes and just butt joined together and the plane shows some ply overlapping the joins at the front only..

Best wishes,

Martin.